Outdoor & Nature
Ballarat offers a refreshing blend of natural beauty and wide-open spaces, making it an inviting escape for outdoor lovers. Wander through the peaceful Ballarat Botanic Gardens, where century-old trees, colourful floral displays, and lakeside walking paths create an atmosphere of calm just minutes from the city centre. Nearby, Lake Wendouree is a local favourite for rowing, sailing, cycling, and birdwatching, with its scenic 6-kilometre loop perfect for a leisurely stroll or an energising run.
Beyond the city, Ballarat’s surrounding landscapes are rich with bushland trails, wildlife habitats, and panoramic lookouts waiting to be explored. The Creswick Regional Park and Woowookarung Regional Park offer winding tracks through eucalyptus forests, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and spotting native fauna. Whether you’re craving fresh air, natural beauty, or a peaceful moment in the outdoors, Ballarat provides plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Ballarat VIC 3350
The Ballarat Botanical Gardens offer a stunning, tranquil escape along the western shore of Lake Wendouree. Spread across beautifully landscaped grounds, the gardens feature historic statues, colourful seasonal flower displays, the Robert Clark Conservatory, and the iconic Prime Ministers Avenue. With lush lawns, heritage trees, lakeside paths and peaceful picnic spots, it’s a favourite destination for locals and visitors looking to relax, wander, or enjoy nature in one of Victoria’s oldest regional gardens.
Ballarat Heritage Ride
Ballarat VIC 3350
The Ballarat Heritage Ride is a scenic cycling experience that showcases the city’s rich gold-rush history, grand Victorian architecture, and picturesque natural landscapes. Winding through historic precincts, leafy streets, lakeside paths and iconic landmarks, the route offers a relaxed yet enriching way to explore Ballarat at your own pace. Whether you’re a keen cyclist or a casual weekend rider, it’s a memorable way to connect with the city’s past while enjoying its beautiful outdoor spaces.
Ballarat Wildlife Park
250 Fussell St, Ballarat East VIC 3350
Ballarat Wildlife Park offers an immersive, family-friendly experience where visitors can get close to some of Australia’s most iconic native animals. Home to kangaroos, koalas, wombats, dingoes, Tasmanian devils and a renowned reptile collection, the park combines hands-on encounters with educational presentations throughout the day. Set across spacious grounds with a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for wildlife lovers and anyone looking to experience Australian fauna up close.
Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail
Smythesdale Lunch Stop, Smythesdale VIC 3351
A ride along the Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail isn’t complete without a lunch break in the historic goldfields town of Smythesdale. This charming stop offers riders a chance to rest, refuel, and explore local cafés, bakeries and shady picnic spots. With its relaxed country atmosphere, heritage streetscape and easy access directly off the trail, Smythesdale makes the perfect mid-ride pause before continuing through farmland, forests and open plains along this iconic regional cycling route.
Black Hill Reserve & Mountain Bike Trails
Black Hill VIC 3350
Black Hill Reserve is one of Ballarat’s top outdoor adventure spots, offering rugged granite landscapes, panoramic city views and an impressive network of purpose-built mountain bike trails. With options ranging from beginner-friendly loops to technical downhill runs, it’s a favourite for riders seeking flow, challenge and variety. The reserve also features walking tracks, native bushland and lookout points, making it a great destination for both adrenaline seekers and nature lovers.
Golden City Paddle Steamer and Museum Society
Ballarat VIC 3350
The Golden City Paddle Steamer & Museum Society preserves and celebrates Ballarat’s rich maritime and recreational history on Lake Wendouree. Home to the beautifully restored Golden City paddle steamer, the society showcases historic boats, memorabilia and stories that highlight the lake’s long-standing role in local leisure and community life. Visitors can explore the museum, learn about restoration projects, and experience a unique piece of Ballarat’s heritage preserved by passionate volunteers.